TidBITS #375 on 1997-04-14

Are Macintosh software sales rising or falling? An important question, and one that guest writer Matt Deatherage examines in detail. Also this week, both Claris and Qualcomm update their email clients, FreePPP 2.5v3 appears, Info-Mac continues working on its move, the Crack A Mac challenge ends, and Adam marks the seventh anniversary of TidBITS.

TidBITS #374 on 1997-04-07

This week opened with a bang as Microsoft announced plans to purchase the Internet start-up WebTV, Connectix announced its Pentium-emulating Virtual PC, and Apple delivered the free Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, which eliminates most Type 11 errors by decree. Also, Tonya reviews Akimbo's Globetrotter Web site creation tool, and we welcome StarNine as a new TidBITS sponsor.

TidBITS #373 on 1997-04-01

EXCLUSIVE! Hot on the heels of Oracle CEO Larry Ellison's public speculation of a hostile takeover of Apple, Steve Jobs announces the merger of Apple and Pixar, Jobs's successful animation company. In this special issue, we also unveil a host of behind-the-six-colored-curtain information, including sale of the Newton and PowerBook divisions, new technologies for Rhapsody, a TidBITS global reorganization, rumors of Cyberdog abuses, and more.

TidBITS #372 on 1997-03-31

Speculating about Apple, while not yet named as an official Olympic sport, is certainly popular enough to be considered for the Exhibition category. In this issue, Adam examines much of the Apple speculating that's going on and offers his own views about Apple's directions. We also cover Apple's presence at the recent Internet World, and look in detail at Snapz Pro, a snappy new tool for creating screenshots.

TidBITS #371 on 1997-03-24

Apple's PowerBooks not only redefined the laptop computer industry, but also embodied a nebulous combination of style, innovation, and prestige - elements Apple has been trying regain. In this issue, we take real-world looks at the newest contenders: the PowerBook 1400 and 3400, the latter currently holding the title as fastest laptop in the world. Also, Adam raises some interesting questions about Apple's decision to drop Open Transport in Rhapsody.

TidBITS #370 on 1997-03-17

Last week brought us "black Friday" as Apple announced employee layoffs and another restructuring; this week, Adam looks at what Apple's keeping, setting aside, and putting into maintenance mode. We also bring you news on Java and Shockwave security problems and a PowerPC update to QuicKeys, plus a detailed review of Digital Chisel, an easy-to-use multimedia authoring and Web publishing tool aimed at kids.

TidBITS #369 on 1997-03-10

How long will you wait for Mac OS 8? Only a few months, as Apple re-christens Tempo. Also this week, we bring you news on a final release of CFM-68K, increases in Mac OS market share, and a sweet deal from Apple for some Performa owners. Plus, we take a look at feedback from readers on retail Macintosh sales, and Matt Neuburg offers an in-depth look at the multimedia authoring program SuperCard 3.0.

TidBITS #368 on 1997-03-03

Are you a hotshot at using Macs to build full-text search engines for the Web? Enter the first-ever TidBITS Macintosh Search Tool Shootout! Also this week, we bring you part two of Stuart Cheshire's article on latency and bandwidth, plus information on new versions of Internet Explorer and Quicken. Also, our field correspondents report on highlights from Macworld Tokyo, and we call for additional TidBITS translators.

TidBITS #367 on 1997-02-24

Ever wondered what motivates sales people at large consumer electronics stores? Money! Read about Ian Gregson's experiences over the last holiday shopping season. Also in this issue, info on beta releases of Emailer 2.0 and Apple's CFM-68K Runtime Enabler, Mark Anbinder looks at the WebTV, and Stuart Cheshire examines in detail how latency brings your super-fast new modem to its knees.

TidBITS #366 on 1997-02-17

The Mac OS is perhaps the easiest operating system to use, but even beginners sense there's more under the hood than first appears. A book by David Pogue and Joseph Schorr explores the Mac's inner machinery. Also, Geoff Duncan reports on Apple's newly announced Macintoshes, Matt Neuburg reviews Canvas 5.0.1, and Jeff Carlson explores the Internet from his favorite cafe, thanks to the Ricochet Wireless Modem.

TidBITS #365 on 1997-02-10

Is OpenDoc an Apple technology following in the footsteps of PowerTalk? Component computing seems to be taking off, and Adam looks at some real-world OpenDoc products, plus Charles Wheeler profiles a family known for its "spokesblob." We also review Bare Bones Software's powerful, multi-purpose text editor BBEdit 4.0.2, note Heidi Roizen's departure from Apple, reassure Newton users, and note a Get Rich Quick scheme for serious hackers and crackers.

TidBITS #364 on 1997-02-03

Is text dead? Not at all! In this issue, we look at Palimpsest, a tool for managing large volumes of text; CopyPaste, a multiple clipboard utility; and Natural Order, an extension that (finally!) sorts text and file names like a person would. Also in this issue, readers respond to the new crop of HTML editors, Speed Doubler gets an important update for Mac OS 7.6, Be stops making the BeBox, and Apple announces major internal changes, price cuts, and a Rhapsody kernel.

TidBITS #363 on 1997-01-27

Apple's market share is down, but what exactly does that mean? In this issue, we explore the seemingly random statistics about sales of operating systems. Also this week, Geoff Duncan examines pros, cons, and changes in Apple's brand-new Mac OS 7.6, we look back to Macworld with some reader responses, and we note new versions of NetPresenz and UserLand Frontier, plus a significant beta release of Eudora.

TidBITS #362 on 1997-01-20

In this issue we take a look at some of the eye-catching new products from Macworld, including a spate of feature-rich HTML editors and Rev, a version control utility for real people. We also have news about Apple's new online tech support, a PowerBook 1400 update, and (last but not least) a hearty welcome for new Managing Editor Jeff Carlson, who takes you on a first-timer's tour of the Macworld Expo.

TidBITS #361 on 1997-01-13

Last week, Macintosh faithful gathered in San Francisco for the Macworld Expo; this week, TidBITS brings you highlights from the show, including an analysis of Apple's operating system strategy, the companies and products that stood out from the crowd, and our traditional listing of booths, items, and events that caught our eye. Also this week, info on Internet Explorer 3.0 and Macromedia's acquisition of FutureWave.

TidBITS #360 on 1997-01-06

Macintosh users begin the new year speculating about Apple's purchase of NeXT, and, in this issue, Adam and Geoff examine the acquisition. In other news, we report on new versions of FileMaker, LetterRip, ListSTAR, and RAM Doubler, as well as poor financial results in Apple's most recent quarter. We also note an error in last week's Netter's Dinner announcement and invite you to attend Adam's book signing at Macworld Expo.

TidBITS #359 on 1996-12-16

We publish our last issue of 1996 with announcements of new versions of Home Page, Globetrotter, and Open Transport, plus some good news about Apple and a reminder about the Netter's Dinner at Macworld Expo. Rounding out the issue, we take a detailed look at two heavyweights in today's desktop software arena: Quicken 7 and WordPerfect 3.5.2. TidBITS will resume publishing on 06-Jan-97 - see you then!

TidBITS #358 on 1996-12-12

TidBITS is known for its insightful articles, timely news, and in-depth analysis of issues and events in the Macintosh and Internet worlds... but for this special issue, we throw all that out the window to bring you holiday gift suggestions from TidBITS readers! Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, there's sure to be something here to tickle the fancy or change the world of your favorite Macintosh enthusiasts. Enjoy!

TidBITS #357 on 1996-12-09

In this issue, we report on a new version of RealAudio and an MPEG extension for QuickTime 2.5. We also welcome a new sponsor and go in depth with a review and comparison of Eudora Pro and Eudora Light. Adam follows up on last week's article about soft-power Macs, and Matt Neuburg rounds out the issue with a thoughtful essay about the state of automation on today's Macs, complete with a comparison of macro programs we've reviewed over the past several issues.

TidBITS #356 on 1996-12-02

Are you an established or aspiring Web author? Be sure to read Tonya's detailed review of Adobe PageMill 2.0! Also this week, Apple confesses to a serious bug affecting some applications on 68K Macintoshes, Bare Bones Software release BBEdit Lite for OpenDoc, and Adam explains how to get "soft-power" Macs to restart after a power failure. And, if you don't have time to read TidBITS each week, you can now have it read to you... on tape.

TidBITS #355 on 1996-11-25

We rev up this issue with a request for holiday gift suggestions, an important note for AOL users, and a quick look at new Internet software from Microsoft. Also in this issue, Adam examines the state of the Web server market (with a focus on personal Web servers) and Matt Deatherage gives us a detailed examination and analysis of Apple's Meta-Content Format, or MCF, a new way of organizing and viewing information.

TidBITS #354 on 1996-11-18

As Adam celebrates his 29th birthday, we learn about Apple's plans to enter the restaurant business and about new versions of the online workhorses Anarchie and BBEdit. We have news about a 43.2 Kbps modem technology from AetherWorks and Apple's Open Transport/PPP. In addition, Tonya reviews Robin Williams's latest book, and Dan Meriwether discusses how the Web is changing expectations about how companies are supposed to do business.

TidBITS #353 on 1996-11-11

Now that we've finished our Halloween candy, it's time to focus on news like PageMill 2.0 shipping, Claris distributing Emailer 1.1 for free, a new version of ShrinkWrap, and a problem with the new Quicken 7. We are also pleased to announce that we now have all past TidBITS issues converted into HTML, plus Adam shares comments from last week's article about Internet directory services, and Tonya reviews Spell Catcher, Casady & Greene's general-purpose spelling and writing tool.

TidBITS #352 on 1996-11-04

Have you heard the latest about Apple and Be? If not, there's enough rumor and innuendo to put soap operas to shame! Also this week, news on the OpenDoc-savvy Nisus Writer 5.0 and a new extension from Apple for Power Macs running System 7.5.5. Plus, Bungie Software founder Alex Seropian exposes the seedy, cash-driven world of commercial software distribution, and Adam takes a comprehensive look at Mac email directory services... or the lack thereof.

TidBITS #351 on 1996-10-28

Have you always wanted a Newton? Apple will have two new models for you, including a notebook-like version with a built-in keyboard. Also in this issue, Adam takes a detailed look at the pros and cons of RAM Doubler 2.0, information on Apple's release of Open Transport 1.1.1, and Matt Neuburg contributes a thorough review of the new macro program on the block, Binary Software's KeyQuencer 2.0.